On this final information, you’ll discover out every part you have to learn about residing in Albania as a digital nomad.
Albania’s greatest attraction is its lovely and intensive shoreline which attracts many of the nation’s vacationers. Nonetheless, there are lots of different unimaginable locations to see within the nation.
Albania additionally has fairly cobblestone cities, a wealth of historical past to find, and is house to among the friendliest folks. Pair all this with WiFi and reasonably priced residing, and you’ve got a digital nomad’s dream.
I not too long ago spent over two months residing in Albania and fell in love with this comparatively undiscovered nation. As a digital nomad, it was an ideal base; learn on as I share my expertise and findings with you.
About Albania
Albania is a rustic of practically 3 million folks situated in southeastern Europe. It shares a border with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.
Albania is an extremely numerous nation. It shares a picturesque shoreline with Croatia and Greece with the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas lapping at its shores. Inland, it has lovely snow-capped mountains and an enormous vary of wildlife.
Its capital is the beautiful and fashionable metropolis of Tirana which retains poignant and vital reflections of its communist previous. It’s a rustic of lovely nature and interesting historical past and I imagine it gives one thing for everybody.
Albania for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll have the selection of various and numerous cities and landscapes to stay and work in.
All through the foremost cities in Albania, the WiFi speeds and reliability are good. That is supported by an excellent 4G community which makes residing in Albania as a digital nomad an excellent alternative.
The cafe tradition right here can be conducive to being a distant employee in Albania. Most cafes have good WiFi and sitting for hours with a espresso and dealing in your laptop computer is widespread and inspired.
Together with the infrastructure, the selection between cosmopolitan cities or beachfront cities makes Albania an excellent alternative for digital nomads.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Cities for Digital Nomads
Greatest Locations to Reside in Albania
There are some superb locations to stay in Albania, the situation actually depends upon what you need out of your digital nomad base; listed below are my 5 suggestions.
1. Tirana
Tirana is the capital metropolis of Albania and its most populous space. It’s a superb base for each digital nomads and expats in Albania.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Tirana?
You’re spoiled for alternative with the completely different neighbourhoods in Tirana. For fashionable bars, eating places, and one of the best nightlife, head to Blloku. This neighbourhood was as soon as reserved for the Communist elite however is now the place to be seen in Tirana.
If you happen to desire the normal cafe tradition then I counsel Zona 1 which has the biggest fish market in Albania within the New Bazaar. It’s near the central Skanderbeg Sq. however away from the crowds, with loads of cafes and bars for folks watching, (and dealing).
Komuna e Parisit is a good neighbourhood for households or for people who like inexperienced area. It’s nonetheless near the bustling centre and is situated close to the Grand Park of Tirana and the Synthetic Lake.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Tirana
The very best place to search out quick to mid-term flats in Tirana is thru Airbnb. There’s an enormous vary of choices throughout all neighbourhoods of the capital metropolis. Try my 10 greatest Airbnbs in Tirana right here.
Moreover, I like to recommend becoming a member of the “Expats in Tirana” Fb group which may help with lodging and hold you updated with every part occurring in Tirana.
The extra normal group “Expats in Albania” can be useful. Tirana options closely within the group because the nation’s capital metropolis.
Coworking Areas in Tirana
Tirana has probably the most, and one of the best, coworking areas within the nation. The one issue is selecting which one to hitch.
Dutch Hub is completely situated within the coronary heart of Blloku. So, if you happen to’re staying on this space and wish to be in amongst the motion, Dutch Hub is a good choice. It has loads of personal and semi-private workplace choices for these wanting some seclusion.
Coolab is considered one of my favorite coworking areas within the Balkans. It has an excellent cafe out the entrance and a coworking area to the rear. There are numerous sizzling desks accessible in addition to personal assembly and convention rooms. The tennis tables additionally create an excellent mix of labor and play.
In addition to the formal areas, practically each cafe within the metropolis gives WiFi and an excellent, cool place to take a seat and work away from the warmth. The chains of Mulliri Vjeter and Sophie are nice, dependable choices. For one thing quirkier, head to Komiteti, an unimaginable cafe museum. Keep after your work is full to get pleasure from a cocktail or two.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Tirana is packed stuffed with tradition, historical past, and nature. You’ll by no means be bored as a digital nomad in Albania while right here.
One in all my favorite issues to do in Tirana is to take a strolling tour across the metropolis. I really like a strolling tour however the Tirana choice actually is great. It’s useful to be taught your manner across the metropolis and teaches you concerning the current Communist historical past of the town and the nation as a complete.
I extremely advocate taking the cable automotive, (The Dajti Expres), as much as the Dajti mountains. Right here, you’ll discover numerous actions comparable to horse driving and ATV excursions, in addition to a panoramic restaurant with unimaginable views over the town.
If you happen to’re a foodie like me, I counsel you to discover the eating places in Blloku. There appears to be a brand new bar and restaurant opening in Blloku each week which makes the meals scene actually thrilling.
Head to Komiteti cafe and museum for a shocking mix of communist artefacts and wonderful meals and drinks. If you happen to’re seeking to strive some fascinating native dishes, Period is a superb restaurant to strive some conventional Albanian delicacies with a contemporary twist.
For some extra inspiration for residing within the metropolis, check out my greatest issues to do in Tirana weblog.
2. Durres
Durres is the second largest metropolis in Albania and is situated on the western shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
It’s an vital port metropolis in Albania and is a good base for digital nomads in Albania on account of its fashionable infrastructure and coastal location. It additionally has an excellent nightlife scene and plenty of enjoyable issues to do whenever you’re not working.
The place are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Durres?
If you wish to be in a central location within the coronary heart of the motion then head to the central sq. on Rruga Aleksander Goga. It’s a not too long ago renovated public sq. surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places; each worldwide and native.
For sea views throughout the metropolis itself then yow will discover numerous lodging choices alongside Rruga Taunlantia which overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It’s a simple stroll to the centre and has a gorgeous promenade for stress-free night walks alongside the seafront.
If you wish to be by the seashore, then you definitely’ll have to go barely east out of the town in the direction of Durres seashore on the opposite aspect of the port. This lengthy stretch of seashore gives loads of condominium choices with simple transport hyperlinks again into the centre.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Durres
There are plenty of Airbnb choices in Durres as you might count on of the second largest metropolis. Airbnb is more and more in style in Albania and Durres is not any exception.
Other than Airbnb, verify the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above which regularly shares some good choices for Durres.
For a extra particular Durres targeted Fb group, I like to recommend becoming a member of “Expats, Immigrants & Albanians in Durres“. Regardless of its barely prolonged identify, it has numerous recommendation and choices from these already primarily based in Durres.
Coworking Areas in Durres
Regardless of its dimension, there aren’t any formal coworking areas in Durres. Nonetheless, what it lacks in workplace area, it makes up for in cafes and bars for coworking.
Oborri Lounge Bar is a extremely cool cafe through the day and a bar by night time, with a laid-back really feel and vibrant décor. The tables are dimension to work at and the WiFi is dependable. They’ve snacks and pastries through the day for that much-needed gasoline while your work.
The Wall is one other good bar choice for working through the day. It has loads of seating each in and out. It has good WiFi and the drinks and meals choices are well-priced. It’s conveniently situated near the central sq. so is easy to achieve.
Issues to Do in Durres
For followers of historic historical past then a visit to Durres wouldn’t be full with no go to to Durres Amphitheatre. It’s arguably probably the greatest items of historic structure in Albania. It was constructed round 100AD by Hadrian and was laid undiscovered till the Sixties.
In fact, if you happen to’re in a metropolis on the Adriatic then you need to go to the seashore. Durres seashore is greater than 10 kilometres in size, sandy, and dotted with accommodations, eating places, bars, and seashore golf equipment. There are many sunbeds for people who need them or you possibly can simply calm down on the sand.
If you happen to like to hike, it’s best to stroll a part of the Through Egnatia, a historic roman street which started in Durres and reached all the best way to Byzantium; modern-day Istanbul. Retrace the steps of historic merchants and uncover varied bridges and roman options alongside its 475km route.
3. Saranda
Saranda (additionally spelled Sarande) is within the coronary heart of the Albanian Riviera and is a mere half-hour by ferry from Corfu. It’s typically grouped with Ksamil which is 20 minutes down the coast and residential to among the most unimaginable seashores in Albania.
Saranda is a significantly better choice for residing in Albania as a digital nomad than Ksamil, which is nice for a day journey, however is extra of a vacationer resort slightly than a working base.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Saranda?
Saranda is a bay on the western coast of Albania and so one of the best areas of this metropolis are situated across the varied sides of the bay.
To the west is Kodra which might be probably the most cost-effective a part of Saranda for a digital nomad in Albania. It has good seashore bars and is inside strolling distance of the port and Saranda seashore.
The centre, Qender, is a perfect location if you wish to be within the centre of the motion. It’s set again above the principle Saranda seashore and inside strolling distance of the port. This space is nice for these wanting a central location with mixture of worldwide and native cafes and eating places.
To the east is Rruga Butrinti. There are many extremely rated eating places right here in addition to the higher, (and louder), late bars and golf equipment. The lodging can be extra fashionable right here and most include nice views over the ocean.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Saranda
As with different elements of Albania, there are some nice Airbnb choices in all three of those neighbourhoods in Saranda. Costs are typically just a little decrease than in Tirana, (until you’re reserving within the peak summer season season).
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to numerous members prepared to assist with the rest you might want as a digital nomad in Albania.
Alternatively, there are many expats in Albania and the Sarande Expats 2.0 group is nice. Right here, you possibly can join with expats and different long-term residents in Saranda for something from lodging to restaurant suggestions.
Coworking Areas in Saranda
There are at present no coworking areas in Saranda, nevertheless, it has some wonderful native and worldwide cafes and bars which might be very happy to welcome you in along with your laptop computer.
One in all my favorite locations is Hashtag2 which is within the Qender space of Saranda. It has a mixture of indoor and out of doors seats, they’ve good WiFi, and a few plugs if you have to recharge. They provide coffees in addition to smoothies and recent pastries.
One other nice choice is My Time Espresso Bar. It’s an excellent place to flee the solar with cool AC and chilled tunes within the background. The WiFi is sweet and the tables are an honest dimension to work at.
Issues to Do in Saranda
There are so many nice issues to do in Saranda for Digital Nomads.
I strongly advocate taking a automotive or taxi as much as Lekuresi Fortress for a drink at sundown. This lovely restaurant sits contained in the outdated citadel and gives a hilltop view over the bay of Saranda.
At sundown, the views are merely unimaginable. If you happen to’re peckish you possibly can keep for meals on the restaurant.
With Corfu seen on the horizon, I can not advocate sufficient that you simply go to. You’ll be able to take a quick ferry over to Corfu in simply half-hour and spend the day on the Greek island; discover Corfu’s outdated city, together with the Previous Fortress, and pattern some scrumptious Greek meals. It’s an excellent day journey from Sarande.
I beloved taking a ship journey from Saranda after I was residing in Albania. I employed a non-public boat for 4 folks, and the captain took us to go to 4 completely different hidden seashores alongside the coast from Saranda.
If you happen to head right down to the promenade at Saranda seashore at night time, you’ll discover loads of operators providing you nice costs on your personal private journey.
The Blue Eye is a must-see in Albania. That is an unimaginable half-day journey the place you stroll 2km by means of the Blue Eye Nationwide Park to achieve this pure phenomenon.
It’s a crystal-clear underwater spring so deep, and with a lot stress, that divers haven’t made it to the underside but.
It’s a gorgeous factor to see in a lush jungle/forest setting. I like to recommend combining it with a journey to the beautiful Gjirokaster on this wonderful day journey tour.
4. Vlore
Vlore is the third largest Albanian metropolis and probably the greatest locations to stay in Albania.
It sits on the western coast with seashores on the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains behind it. It has a gorgeous beachfront promenade of retailers, bars, and eating places and advantages from a Mediterranean local weather and really feel.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Vlore?
Lungomare or the promenade/beachfront extends a number of miles to the south of Vlore centre alongside the seashore. The newly renovated promenade separates the seashore on one aspect from the good bars, eating places, and nightlife on the opposite. Good for waking up with a sea view.
The center of Vlore is Ismail Qemali boulevard. This foremost street joins the promenade to the Previous City. It has loads of native and worldwide outlets, bars, cafes, and eating places. It has probably the most cafe choices to select from when working within the metropolis.
To the northern finish of the boulevard is the small however completely fashioned Previous City. It has cobbled streets and picturesque Albanian and Mediterranean structure. It homes numerous boutique outlets and quirky bars and eating places making it an excellent place to be primarily based.
Find out how to Discover Flats in Vlore
One of many higher Fb teams for these seeking to arrange a base in Vlore is “Expats in Vlore“. The web page isn’t as busy as different teams for residing in Albania however the admin may be very useful and educated and might be contacted immediately.
I additionally counsel trying on the “Expats in Albania” group talked about above. Vlore is commonly referenced on this web page given its dimension and so can typically present some useful lodging choices.
Airbnb additionally stays an excellent choice for locating flats in Vlore as there are plenty of reasonably priced choices in all three foremost elements of city.
Coworking Areas in Vlore
Vlore has some wonderful cafes and eating places that are very welcoming to digital nomads in Albania.
Mon Cheri is situated on the prime of the promenade for an excellent place to work with a dependable WiFi connection and nice espresso. If you happen to’re staying close to the boulevard then Mulliri Vjeter to the underside finish of the road is one other excellent place to take a seat, work, and watch the world go by.
If you happen to’re staying to the west of the principle boulevard, I significantly loved Nook Café. Right here, have the selection of indoor or out of doors seating, loads of tables, good WiFi, and all-important plug sockets. The good espresso and tempting ice cream assist as effectively!
Issues to Do in Vlore
There are many nice issues to do on this coastal Albanian metropolis.
One of many highlights is a visit simply north to Zvernec Island. This small island is reached by a picket causeway and homes a now-abandoned monastery and a gorgeous little church.
You’ll be able to attain Zvernec island on a motorcycle or, if it’s significantly sizzling, contemplate hiring a scooter or a automotive to make the 13km journey. On the best way again, cease in on the lovely Narta Seaside.
A visit to Vlore isn’t full with no journey to its beautiful Previous City. It’s actually fairly by day with its completely preserved Mediterranean-inspired streets, and by night time it comes alive with lovely lighting and a buzz from the close by sq. the place you’ll discover numerous alfresco eating choices.
One of many foremost sights in Vlore is its practically renovated promenade and its lengthy, sandy seashores. Make a journey to the seashore the place you possibly can rent loungers or arrange camp on the sand. The water is crystal-clear, blue, and calm; excellent for swimming or lounging.
By night time, the promenade is the place to be to pattern the busy bars and classy eating places, and mingle amongst folks of all ages having fun with a night stroll or a number of drinks.
5. Korce
Korce, pronounced Korcha, is a small metropolis in southeastern Albania and is simply 3 hours from Tirana. It has an incredible cafe tradition for digital nomads in Albania to get pleasure from and is a gorgeous place to go to.
What are the Greatest Areas to Reside in Korce?
The very best space to stay in Korce is throughout the centre. Town is pretty small and so most facilities are inside strolling distance from the centre. That is additionally the place you’ll discover probably the most Airbnbs. The very best streets to be near are St George Boulevard or Bulevardi Fan Noli. These are the place you’ll discover probably the most cafes, (together with vacationers and expats).
You’ll even be near Korce’s foremost sights; together with the Previous Bazaar which is a delight to stroll round and has an incredible choice of cafes, bars, and native taverns to cease by.
If you wish to stay someplace greener, you would contemplate residing by Rinia Park which is a big park full of beer gardens, households, and college students with fairly a enjoyable and relaxed vibe. It’s only a 15-20 minute stroll into the centre from right here.
How To Discover Lodging in Korce?
There are some nice reasonably priced Airbnb choices in Korce because it’s much less touristy than different cities in Albania.
I like to recommend this Fb group which has lodging choices in addition to numerous members prepared to assist with any queries you could have as a digital nomad in Albania.
Coworking Areas in Korce
Dutch Home is a coworking area and lodge situated simply off Bulvevardi Fan Noli. It has numerous workspaces and just a little kitchen so you possibly can take your lunch to work. It additionally doubles as a bar, so is ideal for individuals who just like the extra social facet of coworking.
Other than Dutch Home, Korce has an enormous choice of cafes. Take a wander alongside Bulevardi Gherji Shen, (St George), or Bulevardi Republika, (which run parallel to 1 one other), and also you’ll have many extra choices to select from. Sophie Caffe and Komiteti are each dependable areas to work from.
Issues to Do in Korce
Korce is likely one of the most quaint and romantic cities in Albania. It’s sometimes called the Little Paris of Albania.
Korce is a really homely metropolis, with numerous inexperienced area, beer gardens, and historic and cultural monuments to discover. It’s additionally the house to Albania’s treasured beer, Birra Korce and its brewery which I like to recommend you go to.
One in all my favorite issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, a pedestrianised street lined with apple timber, bars, and low outlets. It’s so fairly.
On the prime of the boulevard, is the panoramic tower which gives unimaginable views over your complete metropolis and the mountains within the distance. Entrance to the statement deck prices round 50LEK ($0.50USD).
A go to to the Previous Bazaar is a should. As soon as a historic website, refurbished right into a cosmopolitan area, it’s house to numerous small cafes and eateries which spill out onto the cobbled streets. That is the place you’ll discover Komiteti bar to take your laptop computer, in addition to many different cool cafe decisions.
Lastly, you need to have a beer on the Korce Brewery – it’s what this lovely metropolis is most well-known for. It’s made utilizing pure spring water from the close by mountains so their beers have a really mild and recent style. They’ve a restaurant and beer backyard onsite, which is a good place to sit back out.
Is Albania Secure?
Albania is a really protected nation and is usually thought-about safer than strolling across the UK or USA. Crime is uncommon and locals are hospitable and welcoming.
It’s additionally thought-about a protected nation for ladies and feminine travellers; I by no means felt uncomfortable or unsafe throughout my time in Albania.
Like in lots of different European nations, pickpocketing does occur however so long as you’re wise, and aware of your environment, you shouldn’t be affected by this.
Price of Residing in Albania
The price of residing in Albania is extraordinarily reasonably priced.
The price of residing, together with lease, shall be greater through the peak summer season months, significantly alongside the coast. Nonetheless, if you happen to go to within the Spring or Autumn, you’ll probably have a really reasonably priced time in Albania wherever you select to base your self.
I visited Tirana in Might and the one-bed condominium I stayed in was round €520 monthly. In Sarande, alongside the coast, a one-bedroom condominium by the seashore price round €800 monthly however these are peak costs.
As most vacationers go to the coast, different cities like Korca might be extra reasonably priced in the summertime.
A meal for 2 at a restaurant in Sarande will price round €25-30. In Tirana, you would eat rather more affordably. If you happen to eat at a neighborhood Zgara, (grill), and I like to recommend that you simply do, you possibly can eat meal for round €7.50 every – together with a beer!
Climate in Albania
Albania experiences nice climate all yr spherical which makes it an excellent place for being a digital nomad in Albania irrespective of the time of yr.
Alongside the coast, the summer season is Mediterranean; very lengthy, sizzling, and dry. The winters are delicate.
If you happen to head inland and to the north, the climate is seasonal and has very chilly winters and snowfall, with sizzling dry summers and storms. This makes it an excellent place for snowboarding along with working as a digital nomad.
In the summertime it’s highly regarded and often sunny. The temperatures can attain highs of 35°C and also you’ll get pleasure from heat evenings too. It’s the proper place for locating seashores.
Residing in Albania Professionals and Cons
As with wherever on the planet, there are each professionals and cons to residing in Albania.
Professionals of Residing in Albania
- The attractive seashores on the coast – some can rival these in Greece
- Mountaineering, lakes, and mountains to find
- Welcoming folks
- An energetic out of doors way of life
- Wonderful cafe tradition
- Nice WiFi availability and high quality
- Inexpensive price of residing
Cons of Residing in Albania
- The temperature in mid-summer can attain 35°C which could possibly be too sizzling for some
- Throughout the peak summer season months, it may well get very crowded, (significantly alongside the coast)
- Transportation might be lengthy and typically uncomfortable in the summertime months – there’s not at all times air-con, or correct area for luggage, and it may be costly
- Card funds are usually not extensively accepted in bars and eating places so it’s best to at all times carry money with you
What’s the Visa Scenario?
If you happen to’re from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, (amongst different nations), you don’t require a visa and may get pleasure from residing in Albania for as much as 90 days, inside a 180-day interval.
If you wish to keep longer, you possibly can apply for a long-term visa as long as you meet the standards listed right here.
Usually talking, if you happen to’re a digital nomad in Albania, you’ll be entitled to get pleasure from 90 days in Albania visa-free.
Conclusion
Albania is a incredible place to stay as a digital nomad. Its cafe tradition completely matches laptop computer life, the WiFi is great, and there are some nice coworking choices too.
In your downtime, there are some unimaginable historic, pure and cultural locations to go to to attain that work-life steadiness. Not solely that, nevertheless it’s a really reasonably priced nation, and one of many few locations that also feels comparatively undiscovered in locations.